How can you save money on your energy bills this winter?

The Autumn Statement provided no further support for people who are struggling to manage high energy bills or improve the warmth and comfort of their homes.

While increasing benefits in line with inflation is welcome, it does nothing to directly reduce energy bills or to help millions of low-income households not on benefits.

We have put together various energy-saving tips that could help you save money on your energy bills this winter.

These include:

  • Washing clothes at 30°C could save around £15 per year — and reducing the number of wash cycles by one per week could save a further £15.

  • Reducing shower time to four minutes could save a typical household as much as £75 a year.

  • Swapping one bath a week for a four-minute shower could save an average of £17 a year.

  • Avoiding overfilling the kettle could save around £12 a year on electricity.

  • Draught-proofing windows and doors will help your home feel warmer and could save around £50 a year on bills.

  • Turning appliances off at the wall/plug when you’re not using them could save an average of £60 a year.

  • Turning the thermostat down by 1°C could save around £115 a year.

 

Check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to

Lifestyle changes won’t be possible for everyone and may not be enough to cover the hole in household budgets caused by higher prices, so Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford are also urging people to check they’re getting all the support they’re entitled to.

This could include:

  • Checking what benefits you’re entitled to by using a benefits calculator

  • Warm Home Discount — a £150 annual discount if you get certain benefits

  • Cold weather payments — payments if you get certain benefits and the weather is extremely cold

  • Grants from your energy supplier — to help you pay off debts you may owe

All our data indicates that this winter will be just as bad, if not worse, for millions of families and we will continue to push the government to do more to support the most vulnerable.

Johnathan Yates, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford said:

“We know lots of people are worried about how they’ll cover their energy bills this winter. So it’s important people know what support they’re entitled to and how to cut back on energy costs where they can.”

“Every day we hear from people who are already doing everything they can, but sky-high costs mean it’s simply not enough. We want to remind anyone struggling they’re not alone, if you need support managing your bills, please contact us.”

If you’re struggling and need advice and support, contact our energy team at 0808 278 7803 or visit our website.

Press Contact: Kara Mello Baron — kara.mello-baron@casort.org

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